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Rob DawsonReporter
Sources told ESPN that Manchester United are keeping an eye on midfielder Frenkie de Jong at Barcelona as they look to bolster their midfield this summer.
Erik Ten Hag knows the 25-year-old from their time together at Ajax. However, sources have told ESPN that Ten Hag is not a particular attraction for de Young, and there is acceptance at Old Trafford that it will be difficult to cross the line.
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United are in the market for a midfielder and have been alerted to the possibility that Barcelona will need to offload De Jong to fund other summer business.
Sources have told ESPN that De Jong would prefer to stay at Barcelona, but if he was told he was overwhelmed by the requirements at Camp Nou, he would prefer joining a club where he plays in the Champions League.
United already know they will not qualify for next season’s competition after a disappointing season in the Premier League.
Sources have told ESPN that Manchester City is among a handful of other clubs that have shown interest in the Dutchman.
Pep Guardiola is a fan, and City were on the hunt when he moved from Ajax to Barcelona in 2019.
The club has already announced that it has agreed a deal for Borussia Dortmund striker Erling Haaland, but sources have told ESPN that there is likely to be another summer transfer business.
Veteran midfielder Fernandinho will leave the Etihad Stadium at the end of the season while there is also interest in Oleksandr Zinchenko leaving space in the squad for additions in midfield and full-back.
Additional reporting by ESPN’s Sam Marsden and Moises Llorens.
